Tragedy struck at Akyem Wenchi in the Denkyembour District of the Eastern region when a mining pit collapsed, claiming the lives of four individuals and leaving several others feared trapped underground.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon.
The Chairman of the District Security Council and District Chief Executive (DCE), Umar Ahmed, confirmed the fatalities and described the incident as a devastating blow to the community.
The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been determined, and investigations were underway.
Rescue efforts were currently ongoing, but had been severely hampered by resistance from some local miners and youth who have gathered at the scene.
The interference has made it difficult for police, emergency responders, and personnel from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and others to carry out their duties effectively, the DCE said.
“It’s an unfortunate and difficult situation we are dealing with,” DCE Umar Ahmed lamented.
“We were met with resistance from miners and youth who had massed up around the pit, obstructing rescue efforts. We urgently need reinforcement from the military to assist with the operation,” he stated.
In the meantime, anxious and grief-stricken residents had gathered around the site.
The area remained dangerous due to an uncovered pit now filled with water, posing further risks to rescue teams and bystanders alike.
Authorities are urging the public to stay clear of the site as efforts continue to save any remaining survivors.
FROM AMA TEKYIWAA AMPADU AGYEMAN, KOFORIDUA
